Petrol loses its crown in India's car market: CNG, hybrids and EVs overtake it for the first time

India’s car market has hit a historic milestone as CNG, hybrids and EVs collectively overtook petrol-powered cars for the first time in August 2026. FADA data shows alternative-fuel vehicles accounted for 41.95% of passenger vehicle retail sales, compared with 40.85% for petrol/ethanol. CNG led the shift at 25.28%, followed by hybrids at 9.04% and EVs at 7.63%.

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